Kaitlin: CrossFit

As some of you may already know, I’m a Cadet in BU’s Air Force ROTC program.  On top of school, added ROTC work offers quite the experience (which I wrote about here).  But after almost three years, I’ve finally begun to find my true passion in the program: working out.

Yup, I’m talking about the sweat until you’re basically bleeding, face in the dirt, can’t even breathe working out.  And to make it even more intense, my instructors decided to add a little extra to our regiment: CrossFit.

When I first heard about CrossFit, the only things I really got out of the idea of it was huge, bulky men doing Olympic weight lifting, using steroids, and growing so large they could barely walk.  After beginning my own CrossFit experience at 6:00am last Wednesday morning, I was proved seriously wrong.

Of course, the practice is incredibly intense, and should only be done if one is in great shape, but it’s also a lot different than I expected.  In fact, it could even be done out of a gym, and if you have a yard big enough, at your own home.

The program has WODs, which are Workouts of the Day, relatively short but highly extreme schedules of exercises that will make you ache and maybe even cry.  The WODs we do as a part of the AFROTC (three times a week, I might add) consist of either AMRAPs (as many rounds as possible [in a given amount of time]) or rounds for time (which means you do the scheduled workout until you finish).

In a given WOD, you might run up to two miles, do 200 squats, perform 200 pushups, or something of the like.  But the best part? It doesn’t matter how good you are.  You push yourself to YOUR limit, whatever that might mean, and challenge yourself.  You finish with the mindset that you couldn’t have done another burpey or another situp or another lap.  The progress that you note, and even the satisfaction that you feel after doing that last pushup, even when you felt it wouldn’t be possible, is incredibly uplifting and motivating.

CrossFit is about being the best you can be.  Sure, using your fellow CrossFitters around you for inspiration can be helpful, but at the end of the WOD it’s your progress against yourself.  Even after just a few sessions, I’ve noticed serious improvement in my endurance, strength, but most of all my patience and motivation.

Like I said, these workouts can be done on your own, at the FitRec or otherwise, just visit www.crossfit.com for WODs.  If you’re interested in getting into it, and want to do it with professionals, there are several CrossFit gyms around Boston, some that even offer a free class for beginners- just check online for more details, or shoot me a message.

 

Tiffany: From TV to Tablets

Welcome back to school, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful first week of classes and are excited for the upcoming semester. I know that I sure am looking forward to making this semester (my last semester) an extremely memorable one. I’m particularly excited for my last chance to learn from the incredibly knowledgeable professors we have here in COM, spending my final semester dancing with Fusion, and sharing all my experiences one last time with you all.

This semester I’m taking a new course that COM just launched, called “TV To Tablets” and I couldn’t be more excited about it. After attending the first day of class and discussing what we had in store for us in the next semester, I knew immediately that it would be a challenging course in that it was unique from anything I’d ever taken in the past 4 years. The class, taught be Professor Luber, discusses how brands have created new revenue sources to align with the new digital consumer while leveraging a multitude of media platforms as strategic business solutions that have proved to be successful. This class pulls from all different topics in the communication world and expects students to think in terms of advertising, branding, television content, production, revenue, public relations, law, and basically a culmination of almost anything you could study in COM.

Although I am a senior and am on my out, it greatly excites me that COM is always creating new courses and altering already existing courses to ensure they are staying relevant and up-to-date with today’s dynamic society. Stay tuned for more updates from my last semester here at BU and in COM and I wish you all a wonderful spring semester!

 

Lauren: First-day Intern Tips!

Welcome back everyone!  Hope you’ve all had a fantastic break!  Are you guys ready for an exciting semester?

A little while ago, I wrote a post with some tips on how to end your internship on a high note!   While leaving a great last impression is important, it’s also crucial to start out your internship on the right foot!

I just recently had my first day as a social media intern at 451 Marketing, and while starting out at a new company can be intimidating, it’s also a great experience.

Here are some simple tips for making a great first impression at the start of your internship:

1. Be punctual!

Nothing looks worse than being late on the first day, or on any day, of your internship.  It may take a few weeks to get into the swing of the morning commute, so for your first few days, make sure you leave with plenty of time to get there,  taking into consideration that there could be back-ups or traffic delays (sometimes, public transportation can be a little unreliable.)

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

You’ll probably get a lot of information thrown at you on your first day, so speak up if you have any questions!  Don’t know where the bathroom is?  Ask an employee or fellow intern!   Want to find a place to get lunch?  See if the receptionist can give you any suggestions!  Don’t be shy, or it could hurt you in the long run!

3. Shake hands and be friendly!

On the first day, you’ll probably meet tons of people, everyone from the CEO to your fellow interns!  When you’re being introduced or meeting a new person, smile, make eye contact and give a nice, firm handshake!  Always remember to be polite and enthusiastic.  After all, it’s exciting to meet new people!

4. Don’t play on your phone or go on Facebook!

Constantly checking your phone and texting your friends is not appropriate in the office, especially as an intern.  Avoid the temptation by keeping your phone turned off and in your purse or pocket!  Also, don’t go on your Facebook or Twitter page when you’re supposed to be doing an assignment on the computer.  This will make you look very unprofessional.  You’re there to learn, so save the personal browsing for when you’re in your dorm!

5. Don’t be too nervous!

Remember, you were hired because the people at the company liked you!  Relax, have fun and be confident! Remember that this is a learning experience and an amazing opportunity for you!  Enjoy it, and get as much out of it as possible!

It can sometimes be challenging to juggle classes and an internship, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run! Congratulations to all the students interning this semester, and good luck!

 

Steph: Meet Our New COM Ambassadors!

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful winter break!

While all of you were relaxing and spending some time at home, we added some new COM Ambassadors to our roster! All of our new CAs are involved in different things around campus, and we know they will be super helpful to all of the incoming freshman this fall. With that being said, allow me to introduce the new CAs!

 

 

Abby Cecchine

Year: Freshman

Major: Journalism

Hometown: Lakeland, FL

 

Anneliese Scheck

Year: Sophomore

Major: Film/TV

Hometown: Hatboro, PA

 

Hannah Herman

Year: Freshman

Major: Journalism

Hometown: Lancaster, PA

 

Kevin Comeau

Year: Freshman

Major: Undecided

Hometown: Belchertown, MA

 

Maria Martinolich

Year: Junior

Major: Journalism

Hometown: Port Washington, NY

 

Morgan Perry

Year: Junior Transfer Student

Major: Advertising

Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA

 

Sara Engelsman

Year: Sophomore Transfer Student

Major: Public Relations

Hometown: Merrimack, NH

 

Will Dowsett

Year: Freshman

Major: Film/TV

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

 

Look out for their blog posts in the coming weeks!

Best,

Steph

Tiffany: ‘Tis the Season

As the semester winds down, most students are preoccupied with final exams, projects, and papers and often forget how beautiful the city of Boston is during this time of year. Although academic assignments are of the utmost importance, take some time to explore and cherish the city during the holiday season. Here are some of my favorite places to visit and activities to do in Boston during the month of December:

Ice Skate on Frog Pond

When the air gets cold enough, Frog Pond in Boston Common freezes over and is open to the public for free skate. For $5 you can spend the afternoon skating around with your friends in the middle of the Commons and experience the park in a whole new way.

Faneuil Hall

This historical landmark is beautiful at this time of year as it’s lit up with lights and holiday decorations. Enjoy the festive scenery and grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market.

Boston Ballet Nutcracker

Performed at the Boston Opera House, the Boston Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker is always a treat!

Downtown Crossing Holiday Market

Explore the Downtown Crossing Holiday Market and you’ll find local artists and designers selling everything from crafts, jewelry, to holiday decorations and treats. You might also find Santa Claus roaming around the market as well!

Best of luck wrapping up the academic semester and happy holidays, everyone!

 

Mike: From LA to the Real World

Hey guys,

Well, after a whirlwind of a semester in Los Angeles, I am now an official BU graduate! I handed in the final paper of my college career last night, what a weird feeling...It hasn’t really hit me yet and I don’t think it will until after the New Year when all of my friends will be heading back to Boston for their final semesters and I will be home looking for work! A part of me is disappointed I won’t be up in Beantown for my final semester, but after two amazing semesters abroad, I feel that I am ready to take on the real world.

Spending the last three months in Los Angeles has been such an incredible experience. Just from being in the entertainment capital of the world, I learned so much about the industry. Interning at a major studio like Paramount and a leader in independent film like The Weinstein Company, I was exposed to such different approaches to filmmaking. I read tons of amazing scripts and even got to work a few film premieres! The program kept me constantly busy-- interning five days a week and taking classes at night-- but it has prepared me immensely for the working world.

Leaving LA was bittersweet but I know that I will be back in the future. For now, I’m going to enjoy the holidays and take a breather after a hectic semester. After the New Year, I will begin the daunting task of searching for a job in New York. Luckily, I have connections in NYC and LA now from my previous internships that I will definitely stay in touch with and contact if I need help finding work. My main piece of advice to all of you guys is to network and stay in touch with people from your internships!  Introduce yourselves to the speakers at the Cinemateques and other COM events because you never know when you are going to cross paths with these professionals again. It is so important to keep in touch with people you meet in this industry because they are often the ones who will help you find work and put in a good word for you in the future!

I still can’t believe I am finished at Boston University. The two and a half years I spent on campus at BU flew by and I only wish I could go back for more. After a year of traveling (last spring in Europe and this fall in LA), I am ready to settle down and look for my first job. I learned so much during my time at BU and made such lasting friendships. Make sure you guys take it all in and have fun! I wish you all the best of luck in college and hope that you all enjoy your time at BU as much as I did!

Mike

 

Taylor: The Final Countdown

It’s that time of the year. Time for major investments in flashcards, increased coffee consumption, and constant professor office hour visits.  Students are on the prowl for nice study spots and BU has a lot of options with open space.

Tips for selecting your study spots: try to stay away for the most common study spaces available such as Mugar Library and the Student Villages. Granted that the view of Boston is exceptional, the Student Villages offer extraordinary views of this Commonwealth. However, it is COMmon knowledge that congested congregations make it hard to study individually due to volume levels and the rarity of finding comfortable sitting. Here are five calm and effective study places for final exam preparation.

5. Mugar Library

Mugar Library is a very feasible place to study if you arrive early. The library’s convenience to the George Sherman Union makes small snack and lunch breaks likely. Claiming a cubby or small group table can get a bit iffy though! Be sure to select your spot before the huge influx of students pour in.

4.Shelton 9th and 1st floor areas

In contrast to StuVi’s, the 9th floor of Shelton is less clustered. The riverside view of Cambridge is phenomenal. No other way to watch the sunset and sunrise while reviewing notes.

3. Boston Public Library

Enjoy the reading room on the second floor of the Boston Public Library. Be sure to collect your thoughts and take a look at the massive open room with huge dome ceilings that share similarities to a museum.

2. Trident Bookstore

Located near Newbury Comics, Trident provides great vibes that assist in thought recollection and help tone down test anxiety. Be sure to keep an open ear out for samples of song bites from around the world.

1. Law Annex

Certainly forgotten around campus, the Law Annex has tons of lengthy tables equipped with outlets. This factor plays a crucial role in study selection. If you want to be completely isolated from others around campus this is your place!

Jason: Madrid Retrospective

Yesterday, December 5th 2012, I officially finished my classes and my internship here in Madrid and I have 8 days left until I return to the states.

As I'm sure you will here from every person who has studied abroad this has been by far the best experience I have had in my life. I have learned so much at my internship; not only technical skills but also many aspects of the cinema industry in Spain, the United States, and around the world. All of the three classes I took here (Spain and the European Union, The History of Spain through documentaries, and Advance Spanish Language) are all on my list of favorite classes. These professors are some of the best in their field and I have never learned so much in a class before.

Madrid and the entire country--the food, the people, the culture,--are incredible. Above all, the opportunity to live with a family (There is no question I had the best family of the entire program) hanging out with my host brother and his friends, and watching my Spanish improve every day... it just could not have been better.

I'm extremely exited to get back to the states though to see my friends, family, and SNOW! (I'm going through skiing withdrawal) And I'm very excited for my classes next semester! I'll be taking my first creative television producing, understanding of film, production 2, and advance french language (yup that's 2 foreign languages for this kid)

Anyway, good luck with all of your exams, papers, etc., happy holidays, and go abroad!!

If you have any questions about the Madrid program, going abroad, etc. please don't hesitate to reach out to me!!!

 

Lauren: Interviews Galore!

Have a big interview coming up for a job or internship?  Don’t stress!  Here are some tips on how to make an awesome first impression without having a minor heart attack in the process.

1. Do some research beforehand

Make sure you know about the company before you walk into your interview!  It will make you look professional and dedicated if you mention that you recently saw an article about the company in the news.  Also, think about what kind of questions they might ask you and how you would answer them!  And come prepared with some of your own questions to ask them at the end of the interview!

2. Dress professionally

Pick out your outfit the night before so that you won’t have to stress about it in the morning.  Even if you know that many employees wear jeans to work, still dress professionally!  They’ve earned the right to dress that way after working for the company for 10 years, you haven’t!  If you need some fashion advice, the BU Center for Career Development has some great tips for how to dress for an interview!  Check it out!

3. Arrive early and come prepared

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, that way when you come in you won’t look stressed or out of breath.  Punctuality is key, and a company won’t hire you if they don’t think you’re reliable.  Nothing looks worse than strolling in 10 minutes late!  And don’t forget business cards and copies of your resume!

4. Relax and look interested

Take a deep breath and try to calm your nerves right before you go in!  Give the person interviewing you a firm handshake when you’re introduced, and make eye contact with them throughout the interview.  Nod your head and really pay attention to what they’re saying.  Show them that you’re interested and passionate about the position.  Body language is crucial- sit up straight and smile!  And take a second to think before answering a question so that you sound clear and well-spoken.

5. Talk yourself up

Remember, if you got to the interviewing process, they must have seen something in you that they liked!  Have confidence in yourself and remember that it’s alright to brag!  Be proud of your past accomplishments, and tell them how your experience and skills would make you a perfect fit for the company.  This is your chance to make a great first impression and show them just how wonderful you are!

6. Thank them afterward

Make sure at the end of the interview that you thank them for their time.  These people are very busy, and took time out of their day to give you a chance!  A handwritten thank you note or email is the perfect way to show how thankful you are!  Follow up and try to stay in touch-never underestimate the importance of networking and making connections!

If you’re looking for more tips, The Center for Career Development is a great resource for everything and anything relating to jobs, internships, networking and interviews!  Check out their website and take a look at their calendar for information about upcoming workshops and networking events!

Good luck!

 

Kate: London vs. Boston

Hello again from London!

I hope everyone has been having an amazing semester back in Boston and I am looking forward to joining you all in just over a month!  For the past seven weeks, I have been completing the internship portion of my abroad programme and I am happy to report it has been a successful experience! I chose to intern with a small fashion PR firm in central London who work with a variety of clients. I’ve always been interested in fashion PR but I’ve never known if it was exactly what I wanted to do so I decided, why not give it a try in one of the fashion capitals of the world?!

The internship was definitely a learning experience and the best way to get immersed in the culture and work life of London.  Here are the four most valuable (and fun!) things I learned at my internship:

 

  1. Difference in the style of journalism. Each day, I scanned through the local daily papers like The Guardian, The Daily Mail, and The Daily Telegraph for fashion coverage and mentions of our clients. Here, everything is so much more sensational and almost reminds me of the National Enquirer.  The Sun even features a nude photo on page three everyday! No daily paper in America would get away with that!
  2. Running PR events. During my time, I helped the team with three client events including our major fall press day.  A press day is basically when you invite all local journalists to your showroom to see you client’s new collections. It’s a really important day for the agency and I learned a ton preparing for and helping at the event.
  3. Sending out press samples. This aspect of my internship may have been favorite.  A couple times a day, journalists sent us stories they were working on so we could send them clothes from our clients that could be featured in their publication.  It was my job to pick out the clothes and accessories and send them to the journalist.  This helped me learn what types of items look best when photographed and the difference between still life shots and model shots.  It tapped into my shopaholic tendencies a bit and I loved it!
  4. The lingo. For the first week of my internship, I was so confused when I would come into work and people would ask if I was alright. Did I look sick? Tired? Sad? I couldn’t figure it out.  Nope, that is just a normal greeting like “what’s up.”  Other confusing terms? A jumper is a sweater. A gillet is a vest. Rocket is arugula. A biscuit is a cookie. Chips are French fries and crisps are chips. The bin is the trashcan. And don’t forget to say cheers before leaving for the day!

Now that the internship is over, I just have my last class and final! I can’t believe I only have two weeks left in this amazing city and I will be sad to leave but it will be good to be home with my family for Christmas.

Happy Holidays COM Family!